Abstract
Cosmetics are external preparations normally applied to human body parts to enhance or alter the appearance of the face or fragrance and texture of the body. The common cosmetic products include: foundations, mascaras, powders, lipsticks, eye shadow, skin cleansers, body lotions, shampoos, hairstyling products (gel, hair spray, etc.), perfumes and colognes. Total of (96) cosmetic products were investigated. Twenty (20) samples of foundations, mascaras, compact powders, (5) samples of lip-gloss and (15) sponges of compact powder making a total of 80 products were bought from the market and evaluated for their bacteriological quality before use (as new products) and after three months of their use by volunteers. Total bacterial count was carried out using pour plate technique, and then all bacterial isolates were identified using microscopic examination, biochemical reactions, and gram staining technique. These identifications were confirmed by the use of Analytical Profile Index (API). Challenge test was conducted on (8) foundations and (8) compact powders of different brands to determine the efficacy of preservative(s) included in their formulations. The results revealed that only 15 (18.75%) out of 80 cosmetic products were found contaminated with bacteria and fungi after use. The maximum bacterial contamination (40%) was observed in lip-gloss samples, followed by 35%, 25% and 0.6% of contamination for mascara, foundation and sponge samples respectively. In contrast no bacterial contamination was detected in compact powder samples. The bacterial viable count of 15 cosmetic products showed that most of them exhibited bacterial count ranging between 2.37 x 10-5 and 2 x10-4 CFU. High viable bacterial count (2 x10-4) was observed in mascara samples of Mac trademark. The predominant bacterial isolates were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The S. aureus was predominant in both lip-gloss and foundation samples followed by Klebsiella pneumonia in mascara and sponge samples. The results of challenge test emphasized that, according to United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) legislation standard products of foundation of Maxfactor® and compact powder of Dermacool® were accepted, in which their preservatives were able to inhibit the growth and kill all inoculated standards of both bacteria and fungi after 14 and 28 days of incubation. However, the other reaming cosmetic products were able to inhibit the growth and kill the inoculated standard of bacteria after 14 and 28 days but unable to suppress or inhibit the growth of Candida albicans after 28 days of incubation time. In conclusion, according to USP legislation standard the tested cosmetic products unacceptable and considered as rejected products.